I heard the Prophet (p.b.u.h) saying, "(O people!) Give in charity (for Allah's cause) because a time will come when a person will carry his object of charity from place to place (and he will not find any person to take it) and any person whom he shall request to take it, I will reply, 'If you had brought it yesterday I would have taken it, but today I am not in need of it."
Hadith Text and Context
This narration is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari (1424) and concerns the Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered this warning to emphasize the urgency and virtue of giving charity during times when it can be readily accepted and distributed.
Scholarly Commentary (Tafsir/Sharh)
This hadith describes a future period of widespread prosperity and negligence towards religious obligations. The scholars explain that a time will come when people are so wealthy that no one will be willing to accept charity, as there will be no poor or needy people left to receive it.
The classical commentators, including Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari, interpret this as referring to the period close to the Day of Judgment when material abundance will cause people to neglect their spiritual duties. The person carrying his charity represents someone sincerely wishing to fulfill this religious obligation but finding no recipients.
This narration serves as a powerful motivation for Muslims to give charity promptly during times when it is needed and accepted, rather than delaying this act of worship. It highlights the temporary nature of opportunities for righteous deeds and warns against procrastination in fulfilling religious obligations.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
From a legal perspective, this hadith does not negate the obligation of Zakat but rather emphasizes the importance of timely fulfillment. The scholars derive that charity should be given when there are deserving recipients available.
Spiritually, this narration teaches the importance of seizing opportunities for good deeds before circumstances change. It encourages believers to be proactive in their worship and charitable acts, recognizing that conditions favorable for religious practice may not always persist.